Illinois has officially become the final state allowing residents to conceal and carry of firearms. On the final day of the federal deadline, lawmakers overruled Governor Pat Quinn's tougher restrictions and passed the state's first concealed carry law.
House Bill 183 allows residents and businesses to prohibit use in their establishments, and guns are not allowed in schools, parks, libraries or mass transit vehicles.
"I got emails from both sides of the issue where nobody's really happy. Usually when that occurs there must be a compromise involved," said Mike Connelly, Illinois Senator, 21st District.
Two stipulations Quinn lost were limiting only one gun at a time and banning them in establishments that serve alcohol.
Mayor George Pradel, who's also the city's Liquor Commissioner, says he doesn't see the new law as an issue for Naperville.
"I as a former police officer feel like we'll be able to work with that. I think the results here will be a lot different than a big city like Chicago, I think that's going to hit them hard, but not in a suburb like this where people are reasonable and they also know the law," said Pradel.
Connelly says to expect multiple trailer bills to follow, giving more specific restrictions.
Illinois residents still have mixed opinions on becoming the 50th state allowing the law.
Absolutely we need it. I mean hello everyone else has it," said Roxanne Petro, Plainfield Resident.
"I don't see a problem with it if you have the right credentials. The bad guys are going to have them anyway," said William Bates, Montgomery Resident.
I think it's going to cause more crime, I think it's dangerous. There are some people that are responsible, but there are too many people that aren't responsible," said Karen Francis, Naperville Resident.
Other than I think it's the constitutional right, which is basically the law of the land. I think that that is important that Illinois is finally living up to the law that this country was based on," said Mark Davis, Naperville Resident.
"I'm against concealed carry. I just think it's dangerous. I think you should be able to see what's approaching you or who's approaching you," said Clara Talkowsky, Morton Grove Resident.
However, don't start carrying around your weapons just yet, the Illinois State Police now have six months to figure out the permit process. Those interested in applying will have to pay a $150 fee and take 16 hours of mandatory training.